DE3430559C2 - - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for lay-out-appropriate reproduction at the printing plate position with an input unit for the necessary layout Commands with associated command and coordinate memory and an evaluation unit for the layout commands and the coordinates native data.

A device of the generic type is on the basis the method described together in DE-PS 27 29 113 menu creation and reproduction of images and templates to be regarded as known in accordance with a layout plan. In which known reproductive process is operational safety not always guaranteed in the case of incorrect entries, and especially not when images or templates areas should be reproduced overlapping.

The object underlying the present invention is therein, a device according to the preamble of the patent saying to improve the operational safety Incorrect entries are increased to the extent that it is ensured that typographically dominant area assignments the hierarchy subordinate area assignments are overwritten.  

The solution to this problem is that the evaluation unit evaluates the layout commands according to a given order of priority, namely creation of empty fields, creation of solid areas, Limitation of the template sections and outline of the image cut. This is the evaluation unit for the layout and Coordinate data supplemented by a switching logic that the layout Commands decoded and priority control for this layer out commands. Thus, the input as a whole which simplifies layout commands.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. These shows in

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the basic principle;

Fig. 2 is a block circuit diagram of a conversion magnification,

FIGS. 3 and 4 embodiments of film to a playback recorded reproducible images;

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a pressure conditioning device;

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a circuit for determining areas to be processed;

Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a circuit for determining the ranking of the lay-out commands;

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of a clock control;

Fig. 9 in timing diagram of the driving pulses generated in the clock controller of Figure 8;.

Fig. 10 (a) and 10 (b) Examples of composite reproduc tion pictures.

Fig. 1 shows an original image cylinder 2 , which is driven by a main shaft motor 3 , which in turn drives a main shaft. A scanning head 4 which photoelectrically scans original images fixed on the original image cylinder 2 in order to record image signals of these original images is driven by an additional shaft motor 5 which drives an additional shaft. The scanning head 4 is moved by means of a threaded spindle in the sub-scanning direction, with a feed rate that corresponds to the reproduction magnification.

The main shaft motor 3 and the additional shaft motor 5 are regulated with respect to their speed by a motor control circuit 9 , in accordance with a control command from a central process control unit 8 - hereinafter referred to as the CPU. The motor control circuit 9 is constructed so that the position of the scanning head 4 in the sub-scanning direction according to the drive pulses of the CPU 8 is controllable.

The image signals R (red), G (green) and B (blue) emitted by the scanning head 4 are fed to a color computer circuit and - as in the case of known color scanners - after color correction, gradation correction, emphasis on sharpness etc. in the form of four color plates. Signals for C (cyan), Y (yellow), K (black) and M (fuchsin) are emitted.

These four color plate signals C, M, Y and K are then fed to a magnification conversion circuit 7 where they are converted into image signals corresponding to a predetermined reproduction magnification in accordance with the drive pulses of the CPU 8 . These image signals are then fed to the print preparation device.

Fig. 2 shows a magnification conversion circuit 7 , which is composed of buffer memories 22 _Y , 22 _M , 22 _C and 22 _K , which in turn each of the image signals Y, M, C and K buffers. Fig. 2 also shows a clock controller 23 for the magnification conversion circuit 7 , and analog-digital converter 24 _Y , 24 _M , 24 _C and 24 _K. In this enlargement conversion circuit 7 , the four color plate signals C, M, Y and K are synchronized and enlarged, and output as image signals C ', M', Y ' and K' .

Further details of the device according to the invention for the pressure conditioning device 1 are described in more detail below. A detailed explanation of the image processing method according to FIGS . 3 and 4 is given first.

In the image signal processing functions of the print processing apparatus 1, there are four basic types of functions, namely

• a) trimming or cropping (edging of image cut),
• b) the so-called "boardering" (limitation of templates cutouts),
• c) marking the solid areas, and
• d) cutting the mask (creating empty fields).

Trimming or trimming is also called "crop ping" in technical jargon. In the context of the present description, this is a processing operation in which image signals that are not necessary for each revolution of the original image cylinder 2 , ie image signals that correspond to scan lines, with the exception of the areas that are necessary for the specific image patterns of the original image , be masked. This suppresses image signals in the masked areas; image sections are therefore limited or bordered.

The so-called "boardering" is shown in FIG. 3. This is a processing step for the formation of defined areas 26 or - in other words - for delimiting template sections.

Solid-tone area masking is a method for forming areas which lie inside and outside an image pattern area or also extend beyond the image pattern, ie the edge thereof, in which a constant halftone dot area ratio is recorded. These areas are the hatched partial areas 27 and 27 ' in FIG. 4; Solid areas are thus generated in these partial areas.

Cutting a mask is a process step in which areas are generated in which no image signals may be reproduced. A halftone dot area ratio of zero percent therefore applies in these areas. This process step thus serves to record very specific surface areas 28 or 28 ' for image patterns, edges, tints, etc. and is referred to here as the generation of empty areas.

In order to carry out these four functions, according to the present In accordance with the invention, the following predetermined order of priority is maintained:

1st step: bordering of image sections;
2nd step: limitation of the template sections;
3rd step: generation of solid areas;
4th step: Creation of empty fields.

Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of the pressure conditioning device 1 with data output circuits 29 _Y , 29 _M , 29 _C and 29 _K for each color plate, as well as with a channel selector 30 and a clock pulse control circuit.

The color plate signal Y is held in view of the so-called "boardering" by a data register R _YB in the Y data output circuit 29 _Y. The data for the halftone dot area ratio of the Y signal for hue area masking for n parts are in the registers R _{YT 1} , R _{YT 2} . . . R _YTn held tight. The data of the empty field for forming the cutting _mask are recorded in the data register R _YC . Via a selector gate switch 31 _Y , data are also selected according to a predetermined time control from the color plate signal Y or a specific register.

From the CPU 8 any of the above registers R _{YB, YT} R ₂ are. . . R _YTn data fed. The CPU 8 is, for example, pre-set by means of a keypad shown in simplified form in FIG. 1 (before the electrical scanning of each original image). Entered addresses are simultaneously in an address register 32 _P , 32 _B , 32 _{T 1} . . . 32 _Tn , 32 _{C 1 ,.} . . 32 _Cn stored.

Fig. 5 also shows a timing circuit 33 which is connected via a bus line to the CPU 8.

An address signal in the sub-scanning direction X and an address signal in the main scanning direction on the reproduction film become the drive of the reproduction cylinder 12 corresponding to the comparators 34 _P , 23 _B , 34 _{T 1} . . . 34 _Tn , 34 _{C 1} . . . 34 _Cm fed; Similarly, selection signals for the color plate signals C, M, Y and K are fed to the comparators, ie control signals for the channel selector 30 .

Fig. 5 also shows a selector switch 35 , which feeds the selector switch 31 _Y control signals - the meaning of these elements will be explained later with reference to FIG. 7. If an image corresponding to a specific original image is to be reproduced, specifically after the limitation of the template sections, then in the print preparation device 1 start and stop addresses are first recorded in an address register 32 _P in the X and Y directions.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the address register 32 _P for these start and stop addresses of the limiting operation, and a comparing circuit 34 _P.

The address register 32 _P comprises a register 36 _{P 1} for the start address Y _{P 1} and a register 36 _{P 2} for the stop address Y _{P 2} in the Y direction, and a register 37 _{P 1} for the start address X _{P 1} and a register 37 _{P 2} for the stop address X _{P 2} in the X direction. Each of these addresses is set via the CPU 8 , and each of them is compared on the playback side with each address in the X and Y directions by means of the comparators 38 ₁ , 38 ₂ , 39 ₁ and 39 ₂ the comparator circuit 34 _P.

The comparator 38 ₁ then emits a signal corresponding to binary "1" if an input A is smaller than an input B , ie if there is a relationship A ≦ B. The comparator 38 ₂ is set such that it then emits a signal corresponding to binary "1" if there is a ratio of A ≦ B between the outputs A and B. In this way, a logical product of the signals of the two comparators 38 ₁ and 38 _{2 is then} output at the AND gate 40 .

Accordingly, the address fed to the comparison circuit 33 for Y from the AND gate 40 leads the comparators 38 ₁ and 38 _{2 mentioned} on the playback side. If the Y address is between the start address Y _{P 1} and the stop address Y _{P 2} , the binary signal "1" is output.

The same applies to the comparators 39 ₁ and 39 ₂ . If the X address is between the start address X _{P 1} and the stop address X _{P 2} , a binary signal "1" is emitted.

The scanning head scans 4 areas of the film from which speak ent to be trimmed regions of the reproducing film, so 40 the binary signal "1" is output from the AND gate and the selector 35 is fed as a trimming code "P" of the comparator 34 _P.

The address registers 32 _B and the comparator 34 _{B are} provided for the bordering of image sections ("boardering"). Address registers 32 _{T 1} are used to generate the full-tone areas. . . 32 _Tn , as well as the comparators 34 _{T 1} . . . 34 _Tn provided. The other addresses register 32 _{C 1} . . . 32 _cm , as well as the comparators 34 _{C 1} . . . 34 _cm are used to create empty fields. All results are the selector switch 35 as speci cal code signals B, T ₁ . . . T _n , C ₁ . . . C _m fed.

In the event that the above-mentioned work function, such as "He produce solid areas", "Edging of image sections" and "Generation of blank fields" are not to be carried out, it is expedient to set a value which is greater than the maximum value of the address signals in the Set the X and Y direction in the corresponding address register as the start address or to assign a larger value to the start address set in the corresponding address register.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the selector switch 35 in the event that the largest number of stages n for the generation of solid areas is "five".

With this selector switch 35 , the previously mentioned order of priority of the work functions is determined. This ranking is as mentioned before:

• 1. Outline of image sections;
• 2. limitation of the template clippings;
• 3. Creation of empty fields.

Fig. 7 shows that from the comparators 34 _{C 1} . . . 34 _cm the blank field code C ₁ . . . C _m are fed into an OR gate; the AND gates 43 _{T 1} . . . 43 _{T 5} become the code words T ₁ . . . T ₅ fed for the solid areas; said trim code P is fed to an AND gate 43 _P ; and an AND gate 43 _B , the edge line code B is fed.

These AND gates 43 _{T 1} . . . 43 _{T 5} , 43 _P and 43 _B , an output signal of the OR gate 43 _{C is} fed via an inverter 44 ₁ . Based on the ranking between the trim code P and the border line code B , the blank field codes C ₁ . . . C _m from the OR gate 43 _{C to} the data processing circuits 29 _Y , 29 _M , 29 _C and 29 _K.

The output signals of the inverters 44 ₁ and 44 ₂ are fed to the AND gate 43 _{T 4} ; the AND gate 43 _{T 3} , the output signals of the inverter 44 _1st . . 44 ₃ ; the AND gate 43 _{T 2,} the output signals of the inverter 44 _1st . . 44 ₄ , the AND gate 43 _{T 1,} the output signals of the inverter 44 ₁ . . . 44 ₅ , the AND gate 43 _P the output signals of the inverter 44 ₁ . . . 44 ₆ fed, and the output signals of the inverter 44 ₁ . . . 44 ₇ are fed to an AND gate 43 _B. While the above work functions are carried out in the present order of priority, the selector switch 35 controls the selector switches 31 in the conditioning circuits 29 _Y , 29 _M , 29 _C and 29 _K.

In Fig. 8, the clock controller 33 of Fig. 5 is Darge; Fig. 9 shows the associated pulse diagram.

The output of the clock controller 33 comprises a counter 45 , which is triggered by the rotary encoder 20 fixed on the shaft of the reproduction cylinder 12 . Fig. 8 also shows a Y address counter 46 in the main scanning direction, an X address counter 47 in the sub-scanning direction, and the start address registers 48 _Y , 48 _M , 48 _C and 48 _K , which are the start addresses of the respective color plate signals Y, M, C and K for the replay cylinder 12 contain the input data CPU 8 accordingly. In addition, comparison circles 49 _Y , 49 _M , 49 _C and 49 _{K are} shown, which compare the addresses contained in the start address registers 48 _Y , 48 _M , 48 _C and 48 _K. The clock controller 33 of FIG. 8 further comprises bistable circuits 50 _Y , 50 _M , 50 _C and 50 _K , which are set and reset by means of coincidence signals of the comparison circuits 49 _Y , 49 _M , 49 _C and 49 _K. Finally, two OR gates 51 and 52 are provided, which generate a normalization pulse for the Y address counter 46 .

With reference to FIG. 9, a method for generating various data required for operating the color scanner described above will be specified below.

These start and stop points in both the X and Y directions address data are written into the disk memory (not shown) with respect to a series of original images attached to the original cylinder. This is done via CPU 8 together with a number of the respective original picture, as well as with color separation conditions, such as high light density, shadow density etc. via an input device.

On the other hand, the above-mentioned disk memories are entered via a coordinate input device 18 trim points, image edges and data relating to the solid areas, which are necessary for recording the time, the start addresses, the stop addresses, etc. An example of an address input via the coordinate input device 18 is explained below with reference to FIG. 4.

A start point P _{1 of} a trimming area of the image pattern is entered as a pair of coordinates (X _{P 1} , Y _{P 1} ); a stop point P _{2 of} the trimming area of the image pattern is input as a pair of coordinates (X _{P 2} , Y _{P 2} ); a starting point B of an area to be hemmed is entered as a pair of coordinates (X _{P 1} , Y _{B 1} ); a stop point B _{2 of} the latter area is entered as a pair of coordinates (X _{B 2} , Y _{B 2} ); a starting point T _{1 of} a solid surface 27 is entered as a pair of coordinates (X _{T 1} , Y _{T 1} ); a stop point thereof is entered as a pair of coordinates (X _{P 2} , Y _{t 2} ); a start point T _{1 of} the solid surface 27 ' is entered as a pair of coordinates (X _{T 1'} , Y _{T 1 '} ) and an associated stop point T ₂ is entered as a pair of coordinates (X _{T 2'} , Y _{T 2 '} ). Furthermore, for the empty fields 28 and 28 ', the starting points C ₁ and C _1' the disk memories as coordinate pairs (X _{C 1 '} , Y _{C 1'} ) are registered; the stop points C ₂ , C _{2 '} are registered as coordinate pairs (X _{C 2'} , Y _{C 2} ) and (X _{C 2 '} , Y _{C 2'} ).

What about hemmed in and creating solid areas is concerned, the data for halftone dot ratio nisse of each color plate together with the Koordi naten data of each coordinate point entered.

When specifying this data, information regarding the size must also be entered for each original. Regarding the enlargement of the reproductions, it is also possible, for example, to create the reproduction enlargement information in the enlargement conversion circuit 7 by calculating the condition for this by the CPU 8 based on the start described above - Point P ₁ and the stop point P _{2 of} the original image of the original image cylinder 2 , and the coordinate values of the start and stop point.

Before recording reproduced images, a display device 17 , such as a cathode ray tube, displays the processed reproduced images as figures. In this way, the processed state of the images to be reproduced can be confirmed and preparation errors can be avoided.

Furthermore, each address data input can be set to the actual length in millimeters by a coordinate input device such as a digitizing unit 18 or the like. This length is determined according to a predetermined position on the replay film.

Addresses in the X direction must be equivalent to the number of revolutions of the display cylinder 12 ; the addresses in the Y direction must be equivalent to the output of the Y address counter 46 .

Assuming that the slope of the reproducing head 14 is P and the radius of the reproducing cylinder 12 is R , the input coordinate data (x, y) is converted into address data (X, Y) according to the following equations:

Here, N means the number of pulses per N revolution per frequency pulse of the rotary encoder, which are emitted during one revolution of the reproduction cylinder 12 .

The case of reproducing a composite image in which image patterns A and B overlap is considered with reference to Fig. 10 (a).

In the case of the reproduction of an original image with the image pattern A , the CPU 8 first sets up the data for limiting the original on the original image of the image pattern A , namely a start point A ₁ (X _{A 1} , Y _{A 1} ) and a stop point A ₂ (X _{A 2} , Y _{A 2} ), namely in the address register 32 _{P of} the pressure processing device 1 . A start point B ₁ (X _{B 1} , Y _{B 1} ) and a stop point B ₂ (X _{B 2} , Y _B. ) Are used as the data for the blank fields with respect to an area of the playback film on which the image pattern B overlaps ₂ ) in the address register 34 _{C 1 of} the pressure conditioning device 1 sets up.

If an original image with the image pattern B is recorded by keys, as a data word for the template limitation of the original image on the image pattern B , the start point B ₁ (X _{B 1} , Y _{B 1} ) and the stop point B ₂ (X _{B 2} , Y _{B 2} ) is set, and the pattern B is recorded on areas of the playback film on which nothing is recorded (blank fields). Thus, an image composed of the image patterns A and B can be recorded on the reproduced film by overlapping.

Referring to FIG. 10 (b), a still more complex overlapping can be recorded.

As for the image pattern A , the start point A ₁ and the stop point A _{2 are} set up as boundary data; the start point B ₁ and the stop point B _{2 are} set up as empty field data. With regard to the image pattern B , the start point B ₁ and the stop point B _{2 are} set up as delimitation data, and the start point C ₁ and the stop point C ₂ are set up as empty field data. As far as the image pattern C is concerned, the start point C ₁ and the stop point C _{2 are} set up as boundary data, and the start point D ₁ and the stop point D ₂ ; for the image pattern D , the start point D ₁ and the stop point D ₂ are set as boundary data and, furthermore, the start point A ₁ and the stop point A _{2 are} set up as empty field data.

If each of the original images with image patterns A, B, C and D are sequentially scanned and recorded, a certain reproduced image is obtained as corresponding to that in Fig. 10 (b).

As previously mentioned, can be used with the above Pressure preparation device with a given ranking or Priority of individual work functions like "Umran of image sections "," limit templates cut "," Creation of solid areas "and" Creation of empty fields "these work functions safely and without the risk of incorrect entries for each individual Perform picture. This also makes complicated reproductions ductions, d. H. complicated layouts possible.

Claims (1)

Device for lay-out-appropriate reproduction in printing plate production with an input unit for the necessary lay-out commands with associated command and coordinate memory and an evaluation unit for the lay-out commands and the coordinate data, characterized in that the evaluation unit the lay evaluates out commands according to a predefined order of priority, namely creation of empty fields, generation of solid areas, limitation of the template sections and bordering of picture sections.